What This Everyday Hand Gesture Really Meant in the Past
A clenched fist with the thumb tucked between the fingers is not just a hand shape. At first glance, it resembles an ordinary fist, but a closer look reveals a specific gesture known as “making a fig.”Long before digital communication, this subtle sign conveyed powerful messages. With a single motion, people could refuse a request, show quiet defiance, or offer a playful “not happening” without uttering a word.In 19th-century Europe, the gesture became a clever tool for silent resistance. It allowed villagers to reject authority or decline unfair demands without open confrontation, using humor and subtle strength instead of arguments.The fist symbolized power, while the hidden thumb was believed to ward off bad luck and the evil eye. This gave the simple gesture a layer of symb...









